KEDA’s RM6.5 million upgrade for 320 rural entrepreneurs aims to boost productivity and sales by improving industrial premises and basic facilities
KUALA NERANG: The Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) has allocated RM6.5 million to upgrade small and medium-sized industrial (IKS) premises under its supervision.
This initiative is expected to benefit around 320 rural entrepreneurs across the state.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the allocation would be used to repair and upgrade basic facilities and improve the surrounding environment of the premises.
He said this would create more comfortable and organised business spaces that meet current needs.
“When basic facilities and infrastructure are improved, it can help boost the productivity and efficiency of entrepreneurs’ daily operations,” he said.
Mahdzir added that this could potentially increase sales revenue by up to 30%.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating a Ramadan programme and a shop handover ceremony at Desa KEDA Kubang Kenyeng.
The initiative will be implemented in phases as part of KEDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and empower the rural economy.
Mahdzir said KEDA currently has 180 industrial building lots under its Taman IKS programme located in several areas.
These areas include Napoh, Sungai Bongkok, Jeniang and Wang Tok Rendong in Langkawi.
KEDA also provides 323 business premises lots across the state, including a supermarket building in Kulim currently rented by Mydin.
At the ceremony, four units of Kedai@KEDA Kubang Kenyeng were handed over to selected entrepreneurs.
The shop lots, completed last August at a total cost of RM489,497, were given to entrepreneurs who had undergone an interview process.
Mahdzir said the facility was built to provide a conducive business space for local entrepreneurs.
It also aims to encourage greater community participation in entrepreneurial activities.
“These shop lots will be managed by the Desa KEDA Kubang Kenyeng Planning and Implementation Team,” he said.
This management structure is to ensure smooth operations and maximise benefits for local residents.
Shop lot beneficiary Mat Akhir Mat Rejab, 51, welcomed the new opportunity.
He said operating in a larger and more comfortable space would allow him and his wife to expand their traditional food business.
Their products include maruku, kerepek pisang and kuih batang buruk.
He said they had previously been running the business from a small home workshop with limited space.
“This new shop is more comfortable and organised,” said Mat Akhir.
He added that they would work harder to grow the business and hoped to hire some villagers to work with them.